1

Assistant Conductor Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

... may assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations. • Turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well to apply and release ...

... May assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations. • The Conductor turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well to apply and ...

... may assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations. • Turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well to apply and release ...

... may assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations. • Turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well to apply and release ...

... may assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations. • Turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well to apply and release ...

... May assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations. • The Conductor turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well to apply and ...

Railyard Switchman/Conductor experience, Yardmaster or Coordinator Experience a plus! Are you ready ... * Assist in all activities that support the operation of crew management to ensure that train job ...

Railyard Switchman/Conductor experience, Yardmaster or Coordinator Experience a plus! Are you ready ... * Assist in all activities that support the operation of crew management to ensure that train job ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Assistant Conductor information

See Kansas salary details

$7

$19

$35

How much do assistant conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant conductor in Kansas is $19.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $21.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Conductor vs Conductor?

AspectAssistant ConductorConductor
Required CredentialsMusic degree or equivalent, certification in conductingSame as Assistant Conductor, often with additional experience
Work EnvironmentAssist in rehearsals and performances, support main conductorLead performances, make artistic decisions
Employer & Industry UsageOrchestras, choirs, musical ensemblesMajor orchestras, ensembles, opera houses

In summary, an Assistant Conductor supports the main Conductor by assisting during rehearsals and performances, often requiring similar credentials. The Conductor leads the ensemble, making artistic decisions and directing performances. Both roles are essential in orchestral settings, with the Assistant Conductor serving as a key support role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Conductor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Conductor, you need comprehensive knowledge of railroad operations, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with train control systems, handheld radios, and regulatory compliance documentation is essential. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, timely, and efficient movement of trains while maintaining compliance with industry regulations.

What are assistant conductors?

Assistant conductors are musicians who support the principal conductor of an orchestra, choir, or opera company. Their responsibilities often include rehearsing the ensemble, preparing scores, assisting with administrative tasks, and sometimes leading performances or sections of rehearsals. Assistant conductors serve as understudies to the main conductor and play a key role in ensuring smooth operations during concerts and rehearsals. This position is often a stepping stone for aspiring conductors to gain experience and develop professional skills. They must possess strong musical knowledge, leadership abilities, and excellent communication skills.

What are the typical collaboration dynamics between an Assistant Conductor and the rest of the train crew?

As an Assistant Conductor, you'll frequently collaborate with the Conductor, engineers, and onboard service staff to ensure passenger safety, efficient train operations, and timely departures. Communication is key, as you'll relay important information between team members, assist with boarding procedures, and help resolve passenger concerns. This role requires adaptability and teamwork, especially during unexpected events or schedule changes, to maintain smooth and safe operations.
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Conductor jobs in Kansas? For Assistant Conductor jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Conductor jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Conductor jobs in Kansas are:
Infographic showing various Assistant Conductor job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,121 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Conductor - McPherson, KS

Conductor - McPherson, KS

Watco

Mcpherson, KS

$22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Watco rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

251st of 355 rated logistics


Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all or the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

Hourly Rate: $22.00

Schedule: 8 to 12 hour shifts, must be able to work overnights or weekends.

The conductor/switchman position will control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual labor position which requires that the individual become proficient in the following skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• A Conductor must demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance. 
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule. 
• Read, write, and communicate in English & understand basic math. 
• Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes and apply procedures using good judgment. 
• The Conductor reads switching orders from designated person. 
• Supervises and coordinates the activities of train crews. 
• Receives oral or written instructions from Manager or Customer indicating which cars are to be switched. 
• Notifies engineer of switching orders and, whereby, which cars are to be moved to specified locations of yard, using radio, verbal or hand signals. 
• Talks to crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information. 
• Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains. 
• Gives instructions to throw track switches and to couple and uncouple cars. 
• The Conductor may assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations. 
• Turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well to apply and release handbrakes. 
• Observes track to detect obstructions. 
• Maintains records, number, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched. 
• May coordinate activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower. 
• Raises coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars. 
• Throws track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals Engineer to move cars, using lantern, arm signals or radio. 
• The Conductor connects air hose to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force. 
• May set warning signals, such as flares, flags, or lanterns at front of and at rear of train during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains. 
• Sits or rides in cab of locomotive to observe signals from other crew members. 
• May make minor repairs to couplings, and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs. 
• Talk to Dispatcher via radio to give or receive switching information.

Education
High School or GED equivalent

What Watco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom